Born October 5, 1997 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Entering 2026:  Years as a Lion: 5th Years in CFL: 5th   Status: National
Career Games: 64   Playoffs: 5    Grey Cup: 0

Acquired:

Riley was selected in the fifth round (41st overall) by the Lions in the 2022 CFL Draft. He signed a one-year extension with the club on January 13, 2025 before agreeing to a multi-year deal through 2027 on December 12.

Highlights:

2025: The ‘Swiss Army Knife’ emerged as the Lions’ starting fullback in year five, hauling in seven receptions for 56 yards and adding six yards on three carries. Riley also added 11 special teams tackles in 18 regular season contests. He suited up in both Grey Cup Playoff games, making four special teams tackles.

2024: Riley once again proved his versatility in year three,  serving as the long snapper on field goal attempts and helping Sean Whyte lead the CFL in field goal percentage (50/53). In addition to racking up 11 special teams tackles and one defensive stop, Riley also filled in at fullback and recorded one reception for eight yards.

2023: Riley enters his second CFL season with a new role as the Lions’ long snapper. After spending the entire offseason perfecting his snaps, the Saskatoon native worked in a unit with punter Stefan Flintoft and kicker, Sean Whyte. Riley also puts his defensive line skills into good usage by registering seven special teams tackles in 18 regular season games. The trios spent the majority of the season playing under special teams coordinator, Mike Benevides.

2022: Pickett split time between the active and practice rosters during his rookie season and would record two special teams tackles and a defensive stop in ten regular season games.

College:

2018-21: Riley appeared in 30 games as a defensive lineman with the Saskatchewan Huskies and recorded 108 total tackles (65 solo, 43 assisted), 21 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, six pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. Helped the Huskies capture the 2018 Hardy Cup and to an appearance in the 2021 Vanier Cup, which was the school’s first time in the national championship game since 2006. Riley was also named a Canada West All-Star in his final university season.

Personal:

Before joining the University of Saskatchewan, Riley was named the Defensive Player of the Year at Centennial Collegiate. He would then go on to represent Team Canada football and the Saskatoon Hilltops in the Canadian Junior Football League where he helped the team to win three national championships.